DEPENDANCE - PRESS RELEASE

Youth for Christ North East would like to announce that the work of Dependance, our rap, dance and theatre company, will come to an end in May 2009.

Dependance have played a significant role in the ministry of YFC here in the north east for the last ten years. Their work in schools, churches and at events has impacted thousands of young people throughout the region and beyond. The end of their work with us will leave a huge gap, but as a leadership team we have a sense that this season of the ministry is coming to a close and God is leading us into a new phase.

Stephen Riley, who has led the team since its beginning in 1998, said, “Every race has a finish line and what a race this has been. It has been an absolute honour to work with so many creative artists but also to share my faith in Jesus Christ with so many young people. I can truly say that over these past 10 years I have LIVED! Now I am looking to see what God will do with the seeds that have been sown.”

The group have released three CDs, ‘Brother, Sister’, ‘139 and ‘One Life’ as well as 2 audio ‘tracts’, ‘Replay’ and ‘Now Wot’. They have visited over 35 schools in the region and have played a major part in both IXth hour and Harvest over the years.

John Hawksworth, centre director added, “I know from my personal experience as a youth pastor the lasting legacy that Dependance have left from their ministry. Their ability to connect with young people in a way that makes the message of Jesus so accessible has been a phenomenal asset to YFC. Very few creative arts projects have demonstrated similar longevity and although we are sad to be finishing this project we are also excited to see what God has in store for a new chapter of schools ministry within Youth for Christ North East”

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact John Hawksworth 01912580600 or email john@yfcnortheast.org.uk

An Audience with Dependance

To celebrate the work that Dependance has been a part of for the last 10 years and to thank God for all the lives they have touched we invite you to ‘An Audience with Dependance’ on Saturday 25th April 2009. The evening will see some past members of Dependance joining up with the current line up to perform and share their experiences.

‘An Audience with Dependance’ will take place at Brunswick Methodist Church in Newcastle at 7.30pm. Doors open at 7pm and entrance is free.

The venue address is Brunswick Methodist Church, Brunswick Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7BJ.

For more information contact the office on 0191 258 0600 or email info@yfcnortheast.org.uk.

Dependance Rap Dance & Theatre Co. have been part of YFC North East since 1998 - taking the Good News to people in High Schools across the whole region. With a current team of 5 they are able to lead assemblies, lessons and lunchtime activities as well as presenting evening events attracting a large proportion of the school each time.

During an average week in school, Dependance will see anything up to 1,000 students during lessons. Working in 20 high schools each the year means that many thousands of young people have been encouraged to think seriously about Christianity and the relevance of Christ to their own lives. A CD named REPLAY, written and performed by Dependance allows young people who have shown some interest in the Gospel the opportunity to dig deeper. Well over 1,000 of these CDs were given away during the first 6 months of them being produced.

Visit the Dependance web site at
www.dependance.tv